REVELATION THROUGH TRAGEDY
by Lisa M. Barnhill

What 9/11 Made Me Realize
"The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our country is strong." --President George W. Bush, September 11, 2001

Before this tragedy struck our nation, I had overlooked many of the blessings that have been won only through the sacrifice of brave men and women who have given their lives so I could enjoy them. The tragic events of September 1 1th have revealed many aspects of American life that l had previously taken for granted; including: patriotism, courage, and freedom.

Before the hijacking of four planes on 9/11, I never thought twice about the importance of patriotism. The helpless feeling each American was subject to after the tragedy was acute and terrifying. The only thing each citizen had to hold on to was their patriotism and their faith that our country would not only survive, but be stronger as a result of the horrific events that shook the nation. Our fear and sorrow quickly manifested itself in an outward expression of America's unity. Ordinary citizens took on the task of caring for their country after the attack by baking cookies for fire fighters and making signs supporting the policemen. These acts of kindness are just as patriotic if not more so than painting your house red, white, and blue because peoples' patriotism went beyond just feeling American to acting involved.. Their tangible expression of kindness came out of the patriotic spirit that swept through the nation in the days following the collapse of the towers. Flying the flag also became a symbol of our dedication, perseverance, and strength. I understood for the first time that flying the flag meant more than acknowledging that I am an American, it meant realizing that the cost of patriotism was extremely high, yet we were willing pay the price. As former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson said at an address at Independence Hall, July 14, 1914 "The way to be patriotic in America is not only to love America, but to love the duty that lies nearest to our hand, and to know that in performing it we are serving our country." In addition to the revelations of patriotism, through the catastrophe of 9/11,I also gained a deeper respect for courage. The image conjured up when I heard the word courage, used to be a fictitious character that resembled a gladiator. Now I realize that the most poignant examples of courage are of ordinary people completing extraordinary feats. A true example of bravery, in my mind, now comes in the image of a fire fighter or policeman running into a burning building while everyone else is fleeing, or of ordinary citizens going out of their way to help someone in need. September 1 1th created many heroes that will be remembered forever, some for their courageous acts of heroism and some for their bravery even to the point of death, because of this, I believe all Americans will have a deeper respect for the true meaning of heroism. Through this horrific tragedy, I have learned that a true hero isn't just a strong and daring person, but one who stands up in the face of danger when something more important hangs in the balance. In the words the author, C.S. Lewis, "Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point."

Beyond the virtues of patriotism and courage, the attacks of September 11th have shown me the price of freedom. Never in my lifetime had there been an attack on American soil; never before had I been forced to question the cost of freedom. I knew that soldiers put their lives on the line for our safety, but that safety had never come at a cost to civilians in this country. Similar sentiments must have been felt after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in World War II. With war raging around the world, Arnericans probably felt immune to the chaos that enveloped Europe, Africa, and Asia. I know this was how I felt on September 10 th. But one day changed my view on freedom forever.

Our Founding Fathers realized that liberty was a precious gift and because it was so valuable, they gave everything they had to bestow that gift to future generations. After experiencing the cost of freedom first hand, I will never take for granted the price that has been paid for me, and all Americans, to remain free. I also realize that I have a responsibility to protect that liberty as well, because along with the blessing, comes the duty to defend.

George Washington aptly described this responsibility in his First Inaugural Address in 1789, saying "The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered... deeply, ... and finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people."

In summation, the tragic events of September 1 1 th have revealed many characteristics that I had previously taken for granted; including: patriotism, courage, and freedom. A deeper respect for patriotism and a realization that it requires not only feeling, but action, has resulted because of the events of 9/1 1. Along with patriotism, courage has been displayed through the images of firefighters, policemen, and ordinary citizens who acted heroically in the face of tragedy. The final lesson I have learned in the wake of the terrorist attacks is that the freedom that I value so much has been bought at a tremendous price and it is my responsibility to defend that liberty.

PeprallyUSA.com 2003 Essay Contest Semi-Finalist Lisa Marie Barnhill, a senior at Heritage Christian School, San Diego.

Lisa Marie Barnhill graduated from Heritage Christian School in San Diego. She writes:

"My life has been full of exciting opportunities including: performing in a stringed ensemble on the violin for three years, competing in Irish dancing, and participating in our school speech and debate club including interstate competitions.Many people have encouraged me along the way, including my mom, dad, brother, sister, and brother-in-law.

I enjoy reading anything from the newspaper to Shakespeare and love listening to and playing music. I am actively involved in my church in various ways. I currently teach a kindergarten Sunday school class and assist in our church youth group.

I have qualified to be on the National Honor Roll and Whos Who Among American High School Students, and received a science honors scholarship to Point Loma Nazarene University. I hope to attend Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, VA as a Government major."

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